RECIPE FOR CANDY BOARDS

Are you looking for a way to feed your bees over winter and reduce in-hive moisture? Candy boards are the answer! During cold winter months, feeding sugar water solutions can cause deathly moisture build up in your hive. As water evaporates from the sugar solution, it condenses inside the inner cover. This then showers down onto your bees and can kill them. With candy boards the dry block sugar not only provides a source of food but also absorbs excess moisture.

Below is a simple step by step recipe for preparing candy boards. We have these available in-store while supplies last. Please message us for availability.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Wooden candy board

Large mixing bowl

Measuring cup

Metal spoon

1 tablespoon of White vinegar

16 lbs of sugar

3 cups of water

***OPTIONAL: Ultra Bee or Pro Health

STEP BY STEP

STEP 1

Start by placing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar into 3 cups of water.

STEP 2

Next, add 8 lb. of sugar in a large mixing bowl (by splitting up the 16 lb. total sugar, it makes for better mixing)

STEP 3

Slowly add 1.5 cups of the water/vinegar mixture to the sugar while stirring with a large spoon.

STEP 4 (OPTIONAL)

—> If desired, this is the time to add 1 scoop of pollen substitute (Ultra Bee) or feeding stimulant (Pro Health).

STEP 5

Make sure you mix it well and the consistency should be like wet sand. Make sure sugar it is not runny. (if mixture is too runny add sugar to get desired consistency)

STEP 6

Place candy board on a washable, flat, level surface such as a counter top or the flat side of a telescoping cover.

STEP 7

Next dump the sugar into the candy board. Make sure to pack down the sugar while keeping it even. If you have an entrance on you candy board, make sure you leave space around the hole. Do this by placing a block of wood in front of the hole and pack the sugar around it.

STEP 8

Mix the remaining 8 lb. of sugar in the large bowl.

STEP 9

Slowly addingthe remaining 1.5 cups of water/vinegar mixture to the sugar, while stirring with a large spoon.

STEP 10

Add in the remaining sugar mix to the candy board while packing it in tight.

STEP 11

Wait 24 hours for them to fully dry then they are ready to addto your hives!

Hope you enjoy! Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.